Auggie, Belmont Park’s new mascot, will debut Sunday, June 29, 2008, at Family Fun Day at Belmont Park form noon until 4 p.m. This is his first interview.

Q: Welcome to Belmont Park, Auggie. Would you please tell us about yourself?

A: Well, as you can guess, I am a New York-bred. I have entertainment and show business in my blood. My father was the voice coach for Mr. Ed, while my mother was a barntender for the Clydesdales.

Q: Don’t you mean bartender?

A: No, barntender. She tended the barn while they were pulling the beer wagon.

Q: Why did you pick Sunday to make your Belmont Park debut?

A: Because I love Family Fun Day! Not only do I get to see lots of kids, but I can’t wait to get my face painted and go on a pony ride.

Q: How did you get involved in racing?

A: We lived near Belmont Park when I was a kid. I used to jump the fence before school, find a trainer and a hotwalker who needed work. I learned to turn left.

Q: What took you so long to come back to Belmont Park?

A: Well, I traveled overseas and studied abroad. After that, I returned home and became a big football fan. I loved the Broncos and the Colts, but was never a big Cowboys fan. I tried to become a mascot for my favorite major league baseball team, but they already had one.

Q: Who was your favorite major league baseball team?

A: The Phillies

Q: Do you have any special filly friends?

A: Well, I recently went on a date with Rags to Riches, which made my good friend Curlin very jealous. No matter what he says, he has a big crush on her.

Q: Why didn’t you become a racehorse?

A: I think you’ve noticed that I walk on two feet, not four. That’s a big disadvantage. Plus, it makes it harder to carry a jockey on your back.

Q: Will you be around at Aqueduct and Saratoga as well?

A: Absolutely. Racing is in my blood and New York Racing is the best racing anywhere.